E: EUCALYPTUS, EATING DISORDER, EXERCISE, EYE CARE, ENERGY CENTRES

Eucalyptus

Did you know?

Several of the 700 species of eucalyptus are used to distill medicinal-quality oil.

Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the leaves and young twigs.

Properties and Uses

Eucalyptus is a powerful antiseptic and decongestant, used mostly for coughs, colds, chest infections and sinusitis.

The oil is used to treat muscle aches and pains.

It is a diuretic and deodorant, with strong antiviral properties.

Eating disorders

While women especially teenage girls are at highest risk for anorexia and bulimia, research now indicates that as much as 2% of the male population also suffers from eating disorders.

Anorexia

is characterized by under eating (and maybe over-exercising), and an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat even though the individual is underweight (less than 85% of the ideal weight).

Bulimia

is characterized by binge eating and then using unhealthy methods (vomiting, using laxatives) to compensate for binging.

Exercise

In this increasingly mechanized, automated and computerized world, we need to make a determined effort to be active. Regular exercise reduces the risk of disease and illness by as much as 20% to 50%. To keep our bodies fit, tuned and functioning efficiently we need to fit in exercise into our busy lives.

A little goes a long way

How much exercise is necessary to improve health?

As little as 30 minutes of exercise five days week can make a big difference to your well-being.

Exercise excuses: beat the

Excuse 1. I am too tired to exercise

Fatigue can actually be caused by a sedentary life style. Exercise can increase your energy levels and decrease fatigue. It will refresh, energize and invigorate you.

Excuse 2. I never see results

Muscles are smart; they adjust and conform to repetitive movements. To challenge your body, alternate your activities – you can try cross training or a sport. Slight changes are all that you probably need to get results.

Exercise and eating right go hand in hand. Re-evaluate your exercise regime and food habits. Figure out where you are falling short.

Excuse 3. I am self-conscious, I’ll look silly exercising

Everyone has their trouble spots — that is why it is important to workout. And most people are more concerned with their own workout and achieving their objectives. Focus on your goals and don’t waste precious energy worrying about others.

Excuse 4. I can’t do what I used to do, I’ve become too old

Exercise has nothing to do with age. You are never too old to exercise. Evaluate your current fitness level, exercise preferences and plan a workout that you enjoy and are comfortable with.

Eye care

Eyestrain causes tension as the eye muscles start to lose their elasticity resulting in weak eyesight. Eye tension produces a general feeling of tension and fatigue because of the eye’s connection with the brain via the optic nerve.

Eyes and Relaxation

Take time to relax the eyes and their surrounding tissues. The vision improves as the ophthalmic (eye) nerves receive a richer supply of blood resulting in better circulation. Regular relaxation techniques help relax the eyes and de-stress the mind.

Palming

Briskly rub your palms together charging them with energy and heat, place the cupped palms over your eyes.

Blinking

Remind yourself to blink your eyes once or twice every 10 seconds, especially when you are on the computer or reading. This prevents the eyes from strain and fatigue.

Tensing and relaxing

Shut your eyes tense and tighten your eyes for a few seconds, so that the eye muscles contract then let go quickly and allow the eyes to relax. Blink the eyes a few times after you finish with this exercise. This exercise deeply relaxes the eyes.

Cold water

With your cupped palms, splash cold water on your closed eyes. Cold water refreshes and strengthens the eyes.

Energy centers: what are they?

There are seven energy centres in the astral body, known as chakras

Six of them are found along the spine and the seventh is located at the crown of the head.

Invisible to the eye, these spinning wheels of spiritual energy keep our bodies and spirits in balance.

The practice of yoga – asanas, pranayama and meditation play an important role in awakening this energy. When awakened this energy can be chanellised for self-development, healing the body and mind, and attaining attunement with the soul.